Happiness Is: Writing

This is part of an ongoing series on happiness. I’m going to continue sharing everyday moments, experiences, and activities where I feel most happy. Since I believe the pursuit of happiness is something that binds humanity, and since one of the major reasons to attain financial freedom in the first place is to improve one’s happiness, I find it important to share aspects of my life where I feel like the pursuit of happiness is most successful. I hope to show through these regular insights that not only does it not take much (or any) money to improve one’s happiness but also that financial freedom provides additional opportunities (via more time) to boost happiness.

I suppose I always knew I had a passion for writing.

I used to bang on this broken typewriter when I was a kid. (I have no idea where my parents got it.)

And I always looked forward to telling stories in school. Any opportunity to write an essay was a chance for me to flex my writing muscles and craft something indelible.

Looking back on it, I figured that it was inevitable that writing was going to be a part of my life. However, actually being able to write for a living is quite another feat. And it’s in that regard that I’m so incredibly blessed.

Starting a blog back in 2011 and giving my writing my best effort has totally changed my life for the better. Writing about my life, setbacks, and victories has in turn inspired others to climb their own mountains. Writing allows me to positively impact people and change the world in my own little way. It’s thrilling. And powerful.

I believe that one of the greatest gifts of financial freedom is that it allows you to be you. Not only that, it allows you to be a better you. And it allows you to find you. The true you. The you you were always meant to be.

That’s because financial freedom eliminates money from the equation, usually.

Once you’re able to concentrate on just what you enjoy, you find that you’re able to spread your wings. You’re able to fly without fear of falling flat on your face. You’re able to take leap after leap. It’s an unbelievable gift.

Writing is me taking that leap. Over and over again. Every article I write is a new leap. It’s me standing on the ledge, ready to put my innermost thoughts and feelings into the world, ready to be judged, applauded, or criticized.

But I don’t do it for the money. I do it because I genuinely want to inspire those who want to be inspired. I want to prove that we’re capable of so much as individuals. Collectively, well, we can do almost anything.

The written word has been so important to our species since the time we’ve been first able to communicate.

And I think that’s because most of us are fascinated by the possibilities. The stories we can read. The adventures that are out there. The inspiration that can be had. The knowledge that can be gained.

I’ve always thought about how great it would be to add to that vast collection of written knowledge – the sum of all of humanity’s written history. I can become practically immortal in that respect. My writing will most likely live on long after I’m dead. And it continues to live on well past my immediate circle, influencing people all over the world. That gives me some serious warm fuzzies.

What I really enjoy about writing is that the end product become whatever someone wants it to be.

Three different people can read the same article and take away three different conclusions. That’s really neat, isn’t it?

Writing allows us to commiserate. The written word gives us hope. It fills our dreams with aspirations beyond what we think we’re capable of.

It was all of those people that came before me, that wrote about saving, investing, financial freedom, optimism, happiness, and finding purpose who inspired me to first take up the mantle of freedom crusader. Their writing inspired me to find inner peace, balance, and happiness via financial freedom and all of the benefits it confers. If it weren’t for the written words that came before me, I wouldn’t be here.

And so I find great gratitude in being able to write at all. It’s because financial freedom eliminates the need for money from the equation that I’m even able to write as much as I do. And it’s through the pursuit of and achievement of financial freedom that I’ve been able to find both my voice and my opportunity.

Being the real me – and the better me – involves positively impacting the world in a tiny way. Being me means being a part of so many other lives. Being a better me means scaling that up and constantly improving myself as I strive toward my ultimate potential as a human being.

Writing also allows me to focus all of my ideas. I sometimes take grasp of something that seems abstract and hazy, but writing allows me to shape and chip away at that idea (almost like chipping away at granite) until it becomes concrete. I try to take something that seems impossible and make it easy. A mountain just looks like a gigantic, impassable piece of earth until you illuminate a path straight to the top.

So I believe that writing has allowed me to become a better me in so many ways. Putting my real-life numbers out there for the world to see has motivated me to become more strict with everything I’ve done, as I didn’t want to fail in front of everyone. I wanted more than ever to succeed, to show what’s possible. In order to motivate and inspire, I had to be an example. Although I see a near future in which I’m writing less about what I’m doing in order to have more time to help others, I’m so glad that I’ve been able to lead by example.

And my writing, along with the journey that provided the basis for the content, is part of human history. It’s the written word. I can only hope that I’m able to write a few more words before I hang it up one day.

Writing makes me happy. And I’m so grateful that it costs practically nothing, other than my time. Fortunately, financial freedom has gifted me so much time. And since time is a far more valuable resource than money, I’m keen to use that gift wisely. I can hardly think of wiser ways to spend that time than by writing. Being able to positively impact people allows me to enjoy writing that much more. As such, I think writing will always be a part of my life.

What about you? Do you enjoy writing? Are you happy to be part of something so much bigger than yourself?

About Jason Fieber

Jason Fieber became financially free at 33 years old through a combination of hard work, frugal living, strategic entrepreneurship, intelligent investing, and geographic arbitrage. He currently lives his early retirement dream life in Thailand. Jason has authored two best-selling books: The Dividend Mantra Way and5 Steps To Retire In 5 Years (also available in paperback).

Reader Interactions

Comments

I wish I was good at writing. Working from the comfort of your own home and where ever you decide to write from sure beats working a the car dealership. Now that you do not really have to write to pay the bills , but do it because you want to likely makes you enjoy it a lot more.

Your writing really does inspire. I am less of a writer but a dedicated coach to many people on a regular basis. I aim to inspire as well and find that when I do this I hold myself to a higher standard and more accountable. This makes it a very worthwhile activity.

I had not seen the word commiserate in some time. Looked it up and learned something new today, Thanks Jason! I do like to write but busy with work and family keeps me from sharing what I have learned. Someday…
Peace,
DFG

I hear you. I don’t have children, but my old job made it really difficult to do a lot of things I wanted to (including writing). Had to power through. Wasn’t easy. I imagine you’ll have even more time for all of your ancillary passions once you’re financially independent. 🙂

Thank you for writing this article Jason.
As a reader of your blog from the beginning, I have seen your writing transform as you have given it increasingly more effort.
Not only have you shown us that financial independence is an achievable goal, you have demonstrated that as you practice any skill more you can truly become an expert and refine your capabilities.

Indeed. I truly believe that if you work hard and give something your all, amazing things can happen. I’m no Charles Dickens or anything, but I’ve worked hard and nurtured my passion. Because of that, I’ve become better. And it’s paid me back in spades. The world works a lot like that. You give and you usually get.

I’ve been a Dividend Mantra fan since around 2014-2015 and a Mr. Free At 33 fan since you started this one. Your quality of writing is definitely fantastic, Jason. I’ve seen commenter after commenter talk about how you inspired them, and it’s easy to see why when you lay out a path that circumvents our traditional and depressing model of working in miserable jobs until we’re old.

I’m the same as you in that I’ve always been the creative writing type. Essays as a kid were fun, and even college papers were something I put my own personality into. Work emails from me are always a joy to read, especially when I’m the one in charge of sending the branch the weekly credit card application progress report. And I can sit and write for my blog for hours on end, which is why my posts are all over 3,000 words and take weeks to publish.

Keep up the writing, Jason. We’re waiting for the eventual Mr. Free At 33 ebook. I’ll have to review it like I did your first one.

Hey, I really appreciate that. That’s so nice of you to say. Means a lot to me. 🙂

I’m with you on those long posts. I have the most fun with lengthy articles that really explore some important concepts. Too many personal finance blogs out there have these 500-word blasts on why you need to cut cable or use a gas app. It’s so silly. For me, it’s just a challenge to rise above the noise. And I like challenges.

The support I’ve received has been incredible. I probably wouldn’t still be at this if it weren’t for that. Although I doubt I’ll still be writing this voraciously in a few years, I hope to continue contributing to this community (and the world at large) for the rest of my life.

You’re right, writing is a lot of fun! It would be wonderful to find the time to take writing more seriously — and really practice the craft. You’re very lucky to have found a way to do it and make money while doing it at the same time (from both writing and also from your investments).

I’m curious if you have any favourite writers in particular (on the topic of financial independence or otherwise) ?

I’m definitely super fortunate in many ways. But I think that old saying about working harder leading to greater luck applies in a lot of cases. Had I never taken the time to really focus on my writing, it would have never happened. But the support I’ve received has been tremendous. I’m really grateful for it. And so it’s reciprocal. The support I get just encourages me to do an even better job. 🙂

That’s an interesting question. I can’t say that I have any favorite writers. Certainly not in the personal finance space. I stopped following PF blogs some time ago. I became disappointed after seeing so many people outright copying my content. But I probably lack a favorite writer due to the content I consume. I’m mostly reading research papers, business news, annual reports, biographies, etc. And I catch a lot of long-form articles on stuff like AI, urban planning, stocks, human psychology, fitness, etc. There’s not too much creative stuff in there. I have favorite works here and there. But not really a favorite author that I strongly identify with.

I love the point you made about financial freedom offering you the ability to be the real you without having the constant concern of money. To me, this is the most appealing aspect of obtaining financial independence – the freedom to pursue work you love and feel passionate about without being worried about a paycheck. I can confidently say your writing has made a positive impact on my life and I hope you continue to produce meaningful and inspiring content for the personal finance community. Best regards.

I’m glad you understand that. I agree 100%. Financial independence isn’t just about leisure. If anything, it’s anti-leisure. Financial independence simply allows you to take on the right challenges at the right time. It allows you to be the true you, without concern over a paycheck. It allows you to find challenges/passions/pursuits that are meaningful and purposeful. Through that, you’re a happier, better you. 🙂

In that regard, the article I just posted about 10 minutes ago highlights the strength of financial independence. And it’s the announcement of me taking things in a slightly new direction. It would be much harder, or impossible, to do all that I do without being financially free. It’s a real gift.

You certainly do well with writing as well ;)! In terms of if I enjoy writing, blogging or whatever form of written communication I’m doing, I’d have to say that I find it therapeutic (strangely enough). It gives an opportunity to express and be creative while hopefully adding value to others lives.

Definitely agree there. The writing/blogging has been great for me more in terms of mutual support/inspiration than it has been in terms of economic benefits. Being able to condense one’s thoughts while simultaneously motivating others is wonderful. Plus, putting my numbers out in front of the world meant I was always holding myself accountable.

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About Me

I'm Jason Fieber, Mr. Free At 33. I became financially free at 33 years old by working really hard, living well below my means, engaging in strategic entrepreneurship, intelligently investing, and using geographic arbitrage to my advantage. I currently live in Thailand, where I'm making my early retirement dreams come true. I write and coach so that I can help others make their early retirement dreams come true.

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